Hip Hop trio Kneecap occupy a niche space in the music sphere, one where politics meets EDM and confrontation. Their unique sound and personas allow for a huge fan base to follow them with every single, live performance and music video they put out into the world. There is never a dull moment when listening to their creations, and the new music video for their single ‘Fenian’ is no different.
On the band’s official website they list the various definitions for the word ‘Fenian’, starting with its original meaning as an old Irish adjective, a beautiful callback to their Northern Irish roots. They list it as "Old Irish Féne, the name of an ancient Irish people" with roots in the mythology of Fionn mac Cumhail, "the 'fian' leader". The power behind the track is a testament to his heroism. Historically, the term is also said to refer to "Irish republican revolutionaries", who fought against the British Empire and churches, advocating for Irish Independence. In modern times, Kneecap list the term as referring to a "member of a secret socialist society" as well as noting its derogatory connotation for an Irish nationalist. In doing so, they highlight the significance of the term and its origins, remaining in line with their proud Irish heritage and being unafraid to call out those in disagreement.
The music video includes a balaclava designed with the Irish flag in almost every frame. The balaclava's are worn by everyone, from the band members themselves to background extras in groups and as individuals, by fictional figures designed as television shows, and even printed on pills. The significance of this is not only to do with identity protection but also a callback to the guerrillas, or paramilitaries, in Ireland during the Troubles, feeding into their political ideas of a reunification of an Ireland no longer under British rule. We see them using this thematic concept to tie into their lyrics: "'United Ireland soon?' - Mate possibly".
Alongside this, the music video also incorporates seemingly individual still images with no obvious link or reason behind their place in visuals. For example, there’s an image of a person on a horse in a car park, one of somebody lifting dumbbells, one someone smoking over an ironing board in a kitchen and close ups of a plate, a portrait and a money bill in succession- all of course including the Irish balaclava. Again, there is no blatant link behind these, however the individuality of them all disappears when placed side by side in a music video such as this. In turn, they are also united as the band advocate for their home country. They call on royalty and political figures through these images in particular and therefore confront the world we live in today and where the power lies.
It’s a showcase of what appears to be disunited images and clips all actually coming together to promote the "Tiocfaidh άr lά" mindset that the band proudly advocate for. The chaotic yet finely crafted videography not only allows listeners to enjoy and hype up the song itself, but also see how important it is to the band themselves and experience that passion through the screen.
Abby Tapping
Image: ‘Fenian’ Official Single Cover
If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider buying us a coffee. The money from this pot goes towards the ever-increasing yearly costs of running and hosting the site, and our "Writer Of The Month" cash prize.